"Transportation safety in all its forms, including railroad safety, has been a high priority throughout my administration," Gov. Beshear said. "Many accidents involving trains, motor vehicles and pedestrians can be avoided with improved signaling equipment, lighting and railroad crossing conditions. That's the objective with all the grants being announced today."

The grants, all of which require a dollar-for-dollar match from the railroad companies, are funded through the Kentucky Railroad Crossing Improvement Program, which is administered by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.